Grammar in written language is more formal than spoken language. We expect writers to put sentences together in particular ways, to use parts of speech properly, to make sure verb tense is consistent, and that paragraphing is used and used correctly.

Major areas of grammar are as follows:

Sentence Structure

• Can you write a variety of complex sentences using correct punctuation?Can you vary sentence structure and length to create interest in your writing?

  • use subordinating conjunctions (AAAWWUBBIS)

• Do you know how to write sentences in past, present, future, present perfect and past perfect tenses?

Parts of Speech

• Do you use correct verb agreement (tense, plurals)?

• Do you use objective and nominative case pronouns correctly (me, him, her, I he, she)?

• Do you use indefinite and relative pronouns correctly (everyone, both, who , whom)?

• Do you correctly use verbs that are frequently misused (lie, lay; rise, raise)?

• Do you correctly use verb and objects that are often misused ([verb] to her and me; she and I [verb])?

• Do you use nouns, verbs, pronouns, etc in agreement and in conventional order within sentences?

• Do you use the subjunctive form correctly as in "If I were your boyfriend . . . "

Frequent Grammar Errors:

• FIX YOUR GRAMMAR VIDEO
  
• avoid the comma splice (see video on common splice)

• affect vs. effect

• top 15 grammar errors according to Buzz Feed --

Tense

• Do you maintain consistency of tense throughout a writing piece?

Paragraphing

• Do you understand and use paragraph structure to organize sentences that focus on one idea?

• Do you create transitions between paragraphs to show progression of ideas?